At the stove, Zack was the only one bustling about.

Peals of laughter echoed from the living room, where Zack's in-laws were enjoying a lively conversation with Dillan. Both men were sons-in-law to the Parker family, yet Zack was considered the lesser of the two.

Coming from a humble background with no prestigious job, Zack had long been the subject of disdain within the Parker household. He was the one stuck with all the thankless, dirty jobs around the house. Despite his best efforts, he never seemed to win over his in-laws' approval.

Trenton, Zack's father-in-law, was all smiles as he said to Dillan, "Your future mother-in-law and I have always thought highly of you. We're looking forward to sitting down with your father soon to discuss your future with Laura."

Laura, also known as Molly, was the younger sister of Zack's wife, Juliet. Dillan, Laura's current boyfriend, had quickly won her heart. In less than two months, their whirlwind romance had escalated to talks of marriage.

Dillan responded with a grin, "Absolutely, Uncle. My family is available whenever you are. Just let us know what works best for you and Auntie."

Just then, Zack finished the last dish. He carried the plates one by one, shuttling between the living room and kitchen. Before long, the table was laden with a feast.

"Mom, Dad, lunch is served," Zack announced.

Curious, Dillan inquired, "And who might this be?"

With a mocking tilt of her head and a smirk, Laura said, "Oh, that's my brother-in-law. No money, no job. He's nothing but a deadbeat around here."

Her words cut deep, and even in the presence of guests, Laura spared no feelings. Zack felt a mix of anger and resignation. Despite being her brother-in-law, he had no standing in the family, and with Laura being the darling daughter of the Parker elders, she was indulged and arrogant. Zack knew better than to cross her.

Especially today, with Laura's fiancé in attendance. Any discord caused by Zack could put his wife Juliet in an uncomfortable spot.

Suddenly, Laura blurted out, "Isn't it past lunchtime? Where's my sister? Mom, did Juliet know I was bringing my boyfriend home today?"

As her voice trailed off, Juliet swung the door open and stepped into the doorway, clad in sleek black business attire.

"Sorry for the delay, work held me up," she apologized.

Dillan's eyes widened in astonishment. "Laura, is this your sister? Your family must have some incredible genes; both of you are stunningly beautiful."

"Hi there, sister. I'm Laura's boyfriend, Dillan."

"Nice to meet you. Laura certainly has an eye for quality; her boyfriend is quite the looker with an impressive presence."

Juliet was in the bloom of youth at just 25, with long legs and a slender waist, her figure was impeccable. Her delicate features only added to her rare beauty.

Trenton, with a warm smile, beckoned everyone, "Now that we're all here, let's sit down, eat, and chat."

As everyone took their seats, Zack and Juliet sat next to each other. He served her a piece of chicken.

"Give this a try. I made these Coke chicken wings especially for you today."

Laura watched, picked up a wing with her chopsticks, took a bite, and then promptly spat it out onto the table.

"This chicken wing is terrible! Zack, it's not spoiled, is it?"

Upon hearing this, Juliet bit into a wing herself but found nothing amiss.

"Of course not, Laura. These wings taste perfectly fine."

Laura then grabbed some cabbage, but no sooner had she tasted it than she spat it out.

"Isn't this cabbage undercooked? It's so tough, it's inedible."

Setting down her chopsticks, Laura boasted, "Have you heard of the Urgridge Restaurant? It's a five-star establishment with a head chef recruited from overseas. Their food is exceptional! And it's part of Dillan's family business."

Dillan quickly added, "It's just one of my family's restaurants. Since Laura isn't enjoying the meal, let's head over there. I'll have the chef whip up some signature dishes for us."

Zack's face darkened. He realized Laura was intentionally belittling his cooking.

Previously, she had savored every meal he made, lavishing praise on the flavors. Today, her actions were a clear attempt to flaunt her boyfriend's family-owned hotel.

Upon seeing the situation, Juliet quickly interjected, "Zack put a lot of effort into preparing a whole spread of dishes. It'd be a shame to let it go to waste. Let's just eat here today and plan our outing for another time."

Alison's brow furrowed. She felt that Zack had embarrassed the Parker family in front of guests, and in a fit of anger, she lashed out, "Zack, what am I to do with you? I can overlook your inability to make money, but you can't even cook properly. What good are you?"

Dillan reached out with his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of meat, and tasted it. After a few chews, he offered his verdict, "This really isn't very good. Once Molly and I are married, we'll be family. If you're open to it, Zack, I could arrange for our hotel's head chef to take you on as an apprentice. You'd not only sharpen your culinary skills but also earn some cash—a win-win situation."

Catching Zack's eye with a sidelong glance, Alison prompted, "Go on, thank Zack for his generous offer."

Zack was seething, his teeth clenched. Dillan's gesture, seemingly kind, felt more like a taunt to him.

Juliet gently tapped Zack's hand, soothing him until he regained his composure. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline," he said.

"You're declining? What, is the money not enough for you?" Laura's eyes bulged with incredulity. "Take a good look at yourself. You've been living like a pauper. Since you married my sister, have you spent a dime on her? And yet you have the audacity to be choosy?"

As she spoke, Laura flaunted the necklace around her neck, sparkling brilliantly. "This diamond necklace was a gift from Dillan. Its value is beyond your wildest dreams! Remember, when my sister married you, she didn't even get a diamond ring. You've been mooching off my family ever since, without contributing a penny!"

"Laura, enough!" Juliet interjected, her expression tinged with embarrassment. Regardless of Zack's shortcomings, he was still her husband. Dillan hadn't married Laura yet; he was still an outsider. Laura's mockery of Zack was, in essence, a slight against Juliet herself.

"Your brother-in-law has always been good to you. What's gotten into you today? Have you forgotten who was there with an umbrella to pick you up on a rainy day, and who carried you to the hospital when you broke your leg?"

Laura snorted, "What of it? If he had money and a car, would he have needed to carry me to the hospital?"

"In the future, whether it's windy, rainy, or I'm feeling under the weather, Dillan will be there to drive me. Isn't that right, Dillan?"

Dillan's eyes sparkled as he replied, "Absolutely. Once we're married, I'll get you a car."

"Wow, sweetheart, you're the best!"

In front of everyone, Laura planted a kiss on Dillan's cheek.

"I can barely stomach these dishes. Let's just go out to eat."

Laura got to her feet, and Dillan followed suit.

"Dad, Mom, don't wait up for me. I'm not sure when I'll be back." And with that, they were gone.

Trenton sighed, "Well, let's just eat."

Alison slammed her chopsticks down on the table, fuming, "This is infuriating!"

Juliet exhaled deeply and cuddled into Zack's arm, her face a picture of tender consolation.

"Honey, don't be upset. Laura isn't usually like this."

Zack offered a reassuring smile, "It's fine."

Juliet stood, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door.

"I've got to handle some things at the office. I'll head out now, and we can catch a movie tonight."

Zack nodded with a smile.

After Juliet left, Zack silently tidied up the dining area.

Suddenly, his phone chimed—a message lit up the screen.

"Young Master Blanchard, your punishment period is over, restrictions lifted."

"All your accounts have been unfrozen. Should you need assistance, feel free to reach out to the family."

Zack gazed at his phone, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile.

"The day I've been waiting for has finally arrived."

He was the scion of the illustrious Montgomery family, a dynasty of wealth and power.

Even Zack couldn't fathom the full extent of his family's riches.

Once, he had managed to squander 40 billion USD in a single go.

His father's reprimand afterward was etched in his memory: "You can lose money, but you must never lose the Montgomery family's face! I won't bother with a lecture. The time it takes to talk to you could've made me another 40 billion USD."

Those few words took mere seconds to say. Seconds in which his father could've earned another fortune.

The Montgomery family's wealth was beyond measure.

So vast, in fact, that even their accountants likely hadn't tallied the full extent of their assets, as the family's earnings per second were too colossal to compute.

Had Zack not been exiled from the family for a grievous error three years prior, he wouldn't be in this predicament.

During his three-year exile, Zack was barred from utilizing the family's influence, wealth, or even his own name. That's why he had kept his true identity under wraps.

Now, with the exile over, he reclaimed his status as the prodigal Montgomery heir, known for his lavish spending.

Zack stealthily returned to his room and retrieved an identity card and a black card from a hidden spot beneath his bed.

This wasn't just any black card—it was the Big Dipper Black Card, shrouded in mystique and prestige.

Reserved for the elite, its holders could swipe without limit and indulge in unparalleled privileges.

Juliet, his wife, had endured much hardship in their three years together. It was time for Zack to make amends.

Slipping the black card into his pocket, he finished tidying the dinnerware.

His mother-in-law lounged on the couch, idly cracking melon seeds. She commanded Zack with a haughty air, "Peel an apple for me!"

Resigned, Zack deftly peeled the apple and presented it to her.

"Mom, Juliet and I are heading out to a movie tonight. You'll need to take care of dinner."

Alison's brow furrowed as she fixed Zack with a disapproving glare. "You've got the gall to go to the movies? You're a big guy who can't even make a dime. You let my daughter foot the bill for your dates. Aren't you embarrassed?"

"I have no idea how you managed to charm Juliet into marrying you, but mark my words, if you don't find a job within three days, I'll see to it that Juliet divorces you, even if it kills me. You're not going to ruin her life!"

With a fierce scowl, Alison stormed back to her bedroom.

Alison had never had much respect for Zack. For three years, she'd been deriding him, hoping to drive him away.

She'd even broached the subject of divorce with Juliet, but Juliet staunchly refused. The reasons for her refusal were likely known only to Zack and Juliet themselves.

Heaving a sigh, Zack hailed a cab to the most bustling shopping mall in downtown Zelbert City, intent on picking out a gift for Juliet.

To Zack, who had been surrounded by luxury from a young age, the abundance of high-end goods in Zelbert City seemed as common as grains of sand. His standards for luxury were so high that what others couldn't procure with money was simply routine for him.

He paused in front of a boutique watch store, remembering how Juliet had admired a particular watch here not so long ago. The problem was, even the cheapest watch here was priced over 100,000 yuan, well beyond their means at the time.

Juliet worked in real estate sales, and on a good month, she could bring in thirty to forty thousand yuan. But her regular monthly salary was just over ten thousand yuan.

She was frugal, saving most of her earnings with the goal of buying an apartment to move out of her family's home, sparing Zack from their constant ridicule.

Zack stepped up to the counter and pointed to the watch Juliet had liked. "Could you show me that watch, please?"

Emily glanced at Zack's less-than-100-yuan outfit and sneered.

"Sir, the watches here start at 100,000 yuan. If you're not planning to buy, we don't allow trying them on."

Zack chuckled, "I'll buy it."

Emily scoffed and twisted her mouth, "I've seen plenty like you. You'll try on the watch, snap a photo for your WeChat Moments, pretending to be wealthy while trying to impress girls."

Zack pinched a black card between two fingers, cutting her off, "I'm paying now."

Emily's face registered shock, then disdain. "I'd advise against using your credit card just to show off. You'll be in trouble if you can't pay it back."

Suddenly, a woman in a business suit approached. Emily called out, "Manager!"

The manager's eyes widened at the sight of Zack's black card. In this upscale shopping area, her seasoned eye recognized the card instantly. "Good day, sir. I'm the manager here. You can call me Katrina. How may I assist you?"

Emily was dumbfounded by the manager's courteous and respectful demeanor. Their usual clientele were millionaires, yet she'd never seen the manager so deferential.

Zack gestured to the watch, "I'll take this one."

Katrina, facing the dashing Zack, felt a flutter in her heart. A person with a Big Dipper Black Card was surely wealthy and influential.

"If I could forge a connection with someone like him, I'd be set," she thought.

"Of course, sir," she said, passing the card to Emily. "Please, handle this quickly."

Katrina carefully packaged the watch herself. As she finished, Emily returned with the black card. Katrina accepted it, beaming at Zack and batting her eyelashes coquettishly. "Sir, is there anything else you need?"

Zack shook his head, "That's all."

He considered buying more lavish gifts for Juliet, but he now preferred a simpler, more modest life to his previous extravagance. He intended to keep his identity under wraps.

As Zack prepared to leave, Katrina stepped forward, "Sir, may I have your contact information? If there's any issue with the watch, we can get in touch for repairs."

Without a second thought, Zack agreed.

He grabbed a pen, casually jotted down his name and phone number on a scrap of paper, and then he walked away.

It was then that Emily, driven by curiosity, asked, "Ms. Katrina, he's dressed so plainly and even chose the cheapest watch. Why do you treat him with such reverence?"

With a knowing smile, Katrina looked at her and replied, "You simply lack experience. Just remember this: whenever he steps into our store, you must inform me right away."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Katrina's eyes.

She knew that once Emily discovered the prestige of Zack's identity, she would surely be intrigued. Emily was significantly younger than her, and if Emily set her sights on charming him, Katrina stood to lose out.

Juliet worked at the Titan Real Estate sales office.

"Juliet, you're so lucky. President Bryant just came looking for you and bought three houses. You've definitely secured your spot as a top salesperson," said the woman in professional attire, her tone dripping with envy.

That was Juliet's colleague, Lillian, with whom she shared a close bond.

"Juliet, you've struck it rich! You're treating us tonight, right?"

"Let's do it another time," Juliet responded with a smile, shaking her head. "Tonight, I'm going to the movies with Zack."

"Zack?"

Lillian immediately launched into a tirade. "I just don't get what you see in him. He doesn't even have a job, just stays at home sweeping floors and washing vegetables. How does he deserve someone like you?"

"If I were you, I'd have kicked him to the curb ages ago! Juliet, you're gorgeous, smart, and capable. President Harrington from Titan Real Estate keeps asking you out. Can't you see he's interested in you? Why stick with Zack?"

Juliet's expression soured. "Lillian, Zack is a wonderful person. Besides, we truly love each other, and that's all that matters."

"Juliet, do you think this is a game? Love isn't worth a dime!"

"Don't be naive. Everything costs money these days. Love without money is like a house built on sand. What if you get pregnant and can't work? Who's going to provide for the family then?"

Lillian pressed on with heartfelt advice. "Formula, diapers, toys—they all cost money. And later on, there's school, tutoring classes, and more. Are you going to bear all that alone? You'll work yourself to death."

Her words were a stark reality, leaving Juliet speechless.

No woman wants to be without a partner to lean on.

But Juliet didn't want to pressure Zack into making money.

"Enough, Lillian. Being with Zack is my choice. Even if he can't make money, I still want to be with him."

Lillian felt utterly at a loss. "Juliet, why can't you see? If Zack could provide a better life for you, I wouldn't object. But look at the struggle you're enduring now."

"You're always so thrifty, you don't even own a decent set of jewelry or clothes."

"If you divorced Zack, there'd be a line of successful men eager to court you. Are you really going to wait until you're old to regret not leaving? By then, it'll be too late."

Juliet's face darkened at Lillian's words. She met her gaze with conviction and countered, "Lillian, clothes and jewelry mean nothing to me. A loveless marriage is pointless. Please, don't bring this up again; it could strain our friendship."

Seeing Juliet's genuine irritation, Lillian clamped her mouth shut, saying no more. Yet, inwardly, she seethed, convinced Juliet would have a better life without Zack.

Soon, it was time to leave work. Juliet gathered her belongings and exited the building.

Zack had already arrived at Titan Real Estate's sales office, eagerly anticipating the moment he could present his gift to her.

"Zack!"

Upon spotting him, Juliet ran over with excitement.

"Have you been waiting long?"

Zack gazed at her softly and shook his head, "No, I've just got here."

"Juliet!"

Hearing her name, Juliet turned to see Lillian approaching briskly, her complexion glowing from freshly applied makeup.

Lillian appraised Zack's modest attire, which didn't look like it cost more than 300 yuan in total, and scoffed disdainfully.

"What are your plans for later?"

Juliet replied, "We're going to grab dinner, then head to the movies."

Lillian offered a smile. "Why don't we go together? My boyfriend will be here soon; he can drop you off, so you won't need a cab."

Her eyes flicked to the small box in Zack's hand, spotting the Omega logo.

"Zack, is that a gift for Juliet?"

Only then did Juliet notice the gift box Zack was holding, her mouth falling open in astonishment.

"Yes, it's a little something I picked out just for Juliet."

"A little something? Judging by that logo, isn't that an Omega watch?"

Lillian was well-versed in luxury brands, her heart set on marrying rich, which is why she spent her entire salary on high-end items to adorn herself and boost her market value.

She was familiar with the Omega brand, so she certainly knew the price tag.

Lillian's pretty face took on a sharp and spiteful look.

"An Omega watch costs at least a hundred thousand. A small gift? I bet the watch you're holding is a knockoff, isn't it? That fake watch can't be worth much, can it?"

Juliet's face flushed with embarrassment upon hearing Lillian's taunting words.

She had never cared for luxury items or gifts, but if Zack was indeed holding a counterfeit watch, and Lillian publicly called him out on it, Juliet would be mortified.

Zack hadn't even had a chance to respond when Lillian snatched the box from him. She was eager to catch Zack in a mistake and show Juliet his true colors. This was an opportunity handed to her on a silver platter, and she might even persuade Juliet to reconsider her relationship with Zack.

"Mind if I take a look?" she asked, not really seeking permission.

She eagerly opened the box and took out the watch without waiting for Zack's consent.

Juliet's eyes went wide as she gasped, "Isn't this the watch I was admiring last time?"

Zack replied with a smile, "Yes, I remembered you liked it, so I picked it up as a present for you."

He spoke with an air of nonchalance.

Lillian, unimpressed, examined the watch closely. Her expression slowly turned serious as the watch seemed genuine.

"Not a bad piece. It looks just like the real thing."

Deep down, she was convinced it was a high-quality fake.

Just then, a Jaguar pulled up to the curb, and the window rolled down.

Lillian's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Perfect timing, my boyfriend's here. He's high society; he'll definitely be able to discern whether this watch is real or fake."

She waved eagerly at the Jaguar, standing on her tiptoes, trying to catch the man's attention. A middle-aged man in a suit and glasses, looking very sophisticated, stepped out of the car.

Lillian clung to his arm with a triumphant air, "Allow me to introduce him. This is my boyfriend, Charles. He was transferred back here from a Fortune 500 company abroad. He's currently the vice president of a company in Zelbert City."

Upon seeing Juliet, Charles was momentarily taken aback.

"Lillian, is this your best friend? She's absolutely gorgeous."

With a polite nod and a smile, Juliet responded, "Mr. Adams, you flatter me."

Clutching the watch, Lillian was eager to unveil Zack's deceitful facade.

"Charles, can you help me verify whether this watch is authentic or not?"